RASSF6 is a novel member of the RASSF family of tumor suppressors

Oncogene. 2007 Sep 13;26(42):6203-11. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210440. Epub 2007 Apr 2.

Abstract

RASSF family proteins are tumor suppressors that are frequently downregulated during the development of human cancer. The best-characterized member of the family is RASSF1A, which is downregulated by promoter methylation in 40-90% of primary human tumors. We now identify and characterize a novel member of the RASSF family, RASSF6. Like the other family members, RASSF6 possesses a Ras Association domain and binds activated Ras. Exogenous expression of RASSF6 promoted apoptosis, synergized with activated K-Ras to induce cell death and inhibited the survival of specific tumor cell lines. Suppression of RASSF6 enhanced the tumorigenic phenotype of a human lung tumor cell line. Furthermore, RASSF6 is often downregulated in primary human tumors. RASSF6 shares some similar overall properties as other RASSF proteins. However, there are significant differences in biological activity between RASSF6 and other family members including a discrete tissue expression profile, cell killing specificity and impact on signaling pathways. Moreover, RASSF6 may play a role in dictating the degree of inflammatory response to the respiratory syncytial virus. Thus, RASSF6 is a novel RASSF family member that demonstrates the properties of a Ras effector and tumor suppressor but exhibits biological properties that are unique and distinct from those of other family members.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Growth Inhibitors / biosynthesis
  • Growth Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Growth Inhibitors / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Multigene Family*
  • Organ Specificity / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / chemistry
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / physiology*
  • ras Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Growth Inhibitors
  • RASSF6 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins
  • ras Proteins